Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
There was not a dry eye in sight for the retirement party of three beloved teachers at Stanhope Elmore High School. Three teachers and mentors that have touched the lives of countless students, faculty and staff over the years have officially started retirement. Gena Jacobs, Col. Charles Bonasera and 1st Sgt. James Chambers said their heartfelt and bittersweet “see you later’s” Wednesday afternoon.
“Everybody knows my favorite saying is ‘go be great today,’ and I truly mean it, and I’ve tried to live my life that way. But I am nothing without my wife. She told me something, and she was so right. She told me the most important part of my career is being here. She said, Tony, you have a great opportunity to make an impact on one of these young kids, to influence their life in a great sort of way,” Col. Bonasera said.
Col. Bonasera has served 37 and a half years in the military with three tours in Afghanistan. While he has only been at SEHS for a few years, his impact on everyone around him has left an imprint to last a lifetime.
“I am so thankful to have had an opportunity to come and work with you. But I want to thank you for what you do (addressing the teachers in the room), and I would encourage you not to lose your passion for what you do every day. I know it’s hard. Thank you for the privilege and the opportunity. It’s been an honor being here and I love each and every one of you,” Col. Bonasera said.
The SEHS library was packed with members of the community, faculty, staff, and friends and family for the retirement celebration. Superintendent of Elmore County Schools Richard Dennis was in attendance as well as countless others throughout the district.
Principal of SEHS, Ewell Fuller thanked all three of them for their friendship, being a blessing to not only himself, but to all the students as well. Stating that they have and continued to be assets to the school, students and communities.
“What he (1st Sgt. Chambers) instilled in these young people and under his care in that program will last them a lifetime. When the balls deflate, the class work is done, at the end of the day what these two men right here are instilling in these young people, you cannot put a price tag on. I’m just super proud to have been a part of all three of their lives and they been a part of mine,” Fuller said.
1st Sgt. Chambers, or lovingly known as Tops, has been with SEHS for 21 years, and its abundantly evident 1st Sgt. Chambers is the backbone of SEHS. Tearfully, 1st Sgt. Chambers thanked his wife, son and faculty for not only the support through the hardships but the great times too.
“We are only a phone call away,” 1st Sgt. Chambers said.
Jacobs has been at SEHS for 13 years, and a teacher for 28 years. She is known for her lectures on supply and demand. Her tearful “goodbye” was felt by all, at the bittersweet celebration. Fuller stated that she is known for always putting her kids first and always being a team player.
“I’m not leaving Stanhope Elmore; I’m just going home. I’m going to be a wife, a mother, a daughter, granddaughter, and an auntie. It goes by so fast, enjoy it. Don’t be defined by it, leave your papers at school. You won’t get extra points to see how much you can stuff in your bag to take home,” Jacobs said.
Countless friends and colleagues stood and spoke to the dream team of three, expressing their gratitude and sharing stories with happy tears to follow.
“Thank you for what you’ve done for the students here and the part that you’ve played at Stanhope Elmore. Enjoy what you’ve earned, and we appreciate every bit of what you’ve done for Elmore County,” Dennis said.
